Pendle News Room

The designs aim to reduce the amount of traffic that cuts through the town centre streets, rather than stopping to shop or visit local businesses.

They also aim to make the town centre more pleasant and accessible for pedestrians, particularly for people whose mobility is impaired.

Councillor David Whipp, Deputy Leader of Pendle Borough Council and councillor for Earby and Coates, said: “We want to improve Barnoldswick for town-centre users and a key part of this is changing the traffic flow.

“The centre of Barnoldswick would be better if vehicles cutting through weren't clogging up the streets and getting in the way of shoppers and visitors.

“It would be much more pleasant for pedestrians and less hassle for those in vehicles wanting to park and shop."

A series of options, ranging from minimal changes to the traffic flow to a complete reversal and extension of the one-way system along Rainhall Road, are being put forward as possibilities.

Options also include upgrading footpaths by replacing the existing paving with new high quality stone flags and widening the footpaths to improve access for pedestrians.

Councillor Whipp added: “Reversing part of the one-way system and creating pedestrian space at the bottom of Newtown would really benefit town centre users and businesses – it’s what we’d like to do.

“Trials have shown it's as quick, if not quicker, for traffic approaching from the Kelbrook direction to get onto Church Street via Skipton Road.

“Through this consultation we want to know if there are any pitfalls we've not foreseen before making a final decision on any changes.

“Tell us what you like and don’t like about each option, and you can mix and match parts of each option, creating a whole new one.”

A decision on what options to take forward will be informed by the response to this consultation. 

Councillor Asjad Mahmood, Leader of Pendle Borough Council and portfolio holder for growth and regeneration, added: “This is your opportunity to help improve access to shops and businesses in Barnoldswick town centre.”

This project has received £46,734 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

You can view the full details of each option at a drop-in consultation event at Barnoldswick Civic Hall, Station Road, BB18 5NA, on Thursday 13 July from 5.30-7.30pm.

Visit Pendle Borough Council’s website www.pendle.gov.uk/options to view the options and have your say on which option you prefer and why.